IT's About People

Wi-Fi

Welcome to this month’s tip! Our topic today is on wireless networking, and deepening your understanding of it. Do you have a wireless network at home? I’m guessing so. You got it, you unboxed it, you set it up following the wizard, and POW you have wireless. Then, when something breaks, what do you do? Call me? Perhaps, and I always welcome the call. However, most of you may try smacking it, making evil faces, holding it upside-down. Heck, maybe you try adjusting the antennae like an old TV set back when shows were still bragging about being in Technicolor. Eventually, something works, and you’re back on your feet. But what a headache!

Here’s some tips from yours truly to help you out, and maybe even get you a little more excited about the technology around you. Let’s assume you’re looking to get wireless (ha!) or morely likely upgrade your existing wireless. First question: why do you need to? Answer: The only reasons for upgrading wireless is to boost your speed, your range, or your reliability. More details below:

Once upon a time, Wireless G was the only real standard worth getting. By now, it’s like an Oldsmobile; slow, clunky, but damn reliable. Then there’s the Wireless N. What they provide in speed, they lose in reliability. Their range isn’t much better than G, either. However, in the last year or so, Wireless AC made it onto the scene, and became a game changer. It has at least twice the speed of N (and much faster than G), as well as significantly increased range. It’s also about as reliable as Wireless G routers, which is a blessing after the dark times of Wireless N. If you have N or G and you value your wireless speed and stability, for the love of whatever you hold dear, look at getting a new AC router!

NOTE: at the end of the day, wireless = convenience. If you want better speed and reliability, connect physically to the router.

Do you need to upgrade your wireless and you’re still confused? Contact us to ask!